Soon Hari Apple Mango

Apple Mango is a flavored soju from Soon Hari, made in Massachusetts and listed here under both wine and soju. The name points to a fruit-forward profile built on apple and mango. The label details supplied don't give an ABV, a base ingredient or a sweetness level, so check the bottle for those. Flavored soju of this kind usually lands lighter and softer than a traditional unflavored soju, and the fruit notes tend to read as juicy and gently sweet rather than dry. For the palate, expect crisp green-apple brightness up front with a rounder, tropical mango character behind it. A drink like this has no tannin and no oak, and the body is light. Acidity should be modest and the finish short and clean. Since this isn't a grape wine, vintage and decanting don't apply. It is made to be opened and poured, and it won't improve with cellaring. Serve it well chilled, ideally around 4 to 8°C, or straight from the refrigerator. Keep the bottle cold, because warmth tends to make sweet fruit spirits taste heavy. Small soju cups or shot glasses are the traditional choice for sipping neat. A small white wine glass or a stemless tumbler over ice suits it better if you want the fruit aromas to open up. It also works as a mixer: top it with soda water or lemon-lime soda for a long drink, or add a squeeze of lime to balance the sweetness. Pair it with foods that benefit from fruity contrast. Spicy Korean dishes such as tteokbokki, dakgalbi or kimchi jjigae are natural matches, since the sweetness and chill soften the heat. Fried chicken, pork belly, grilled shrimp and salty snacks also work. Drink it soon after purchase. Once opened, reseal it and keep it refrigerated.